One of Britain’s biggest internet service providers has begun denying access to the filesharing website Pirate Bay. The permanent block comes after the UK’s High Court ruled that the website flouts copyright laws.

The decision was condemned by Loz Kaye, Leader of the Pirate Party UK: “These blocking measures are unnecessary and they are a slippery slope towards internet censorship. The British government is fond of standing up for internet freedom abroad, but seems unable to support it here at home.”

Commentators said the court ruling could bolster support for the Pirate Party in local elections on Thursday. In the city of Manchester, their campaign, around digital rights and civil liberties is particularly appealing to many young people.

“I do use Pirate Bay myself. That’s because I don’t like buying stuff. But people (artists) are losing money because of that and they shouldn’t be,” one Manchester resident told euronews.

Another said: “I know people are concerned about privacy and if they are checking emails for the safety of the country it’s OK, as long as they’re not interfering like blocking websites.”

Other British internet service providers are expected to block the site shortly. The Pirate Bay is encouraging users to circumvent the rule by installing Virtual Private Network software that helps users surf and file share anonymously.